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This can include jets, LED lights, and even built-in speakers.
The Spruce
Lounge seating is another popular feature, although it does often make the hot tub physically larger.
While most hot tubs don’t have seating, you could purchase seats separately.
Some manufacturers even offer customized hot tubs that you candesign yourself.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Jodi Espinosa
When looking into extra features, consider those that increase the lifespan of your hot tub.
While an extra cost upfront, getting these extras may save you money in the long run.
Is Inflatable Right for You?
We enjoyed the backlit waterfall in the Aquarest Spas Select and used it to help set the mood.PHOTO: The Spruce
If not, then you should invest more!
They are also the most wallet-friendly, though they’re also more prone to wear and tear.
), a locking safety cover, and a patented water filtration system.
We found that children could easily navigate it as well.
The chlorination process and maintenance involved weren’t too overwhelming for us.
We checked the water weekly and added anynecessary chemicals.
The entire setup process, from delivery to filling, was a complete breeze.
We especially appreciated the thorough communication leading up to and during the delivery.
There wasn’t much to set up in this hot tub.
Dimensions:60 x 70 x 31 in.
|Shape:Rectangular |Water Capacity:156 gal.
We noticed that the jet distribution was not entirely even, so some seats had better jets than others.
One side seems to have weaker and less forceful jets.
Dimensions:85 x 85 x 25 in.
|Shape:Round |Water Capacity:290 gal.
Thats why this inflatable hot tub from SereneLife is our recommendation for the best budget option.
This hot tub is just a large open space inside without any seating or other permanent features.
SereneLife says it seats six, but dont buy it if you need that much seating.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Kimberly Souza
Its big enough for four adults to squeeze in, but that would be a tight fit.
We also enjoyed the massage-like jets a lot.
Dimensions: 82 x 82 x 25 in.
The PureSpa Plus came with an inflatable cover that helps hold in heat and keep out debris.PHOTO: The Spruce
|Shape: Round |Water Capacity: 264 gal.
Aquarest Spas has you covered with this compact yet comfortable hot tub.
During testing, we found that the bucket-style seats and lumbar-support chairs were quite comfy.
The waterfall also adds a touch of relaxation to the hot tub.
We strongly recommendpurchasing stepsto avoid accidents and a smoother entry and departure experience.
Just remember that this will drive up the already steep price of the tub.
Not having to bother with inflating anything made setup a breeze.
Trust usyou probably don’t want to move it again, since it requires at least two people.
We then added some chlorine and used test strips to ensure that the hot tub was ready for us.
Removing and cleaning it with bleach may be possible to fix the problem.
We have found that this helps ensure that it remains clean and at the appropriate levels.
If we used the hot tub several times a day, we doubled the amount of chlorine we added.
Dimensions:80 x 68 x 31 in.
|Shape:Triangle/oblong |Water Capacity:160 gal.
This is a four-person hot tub, but we think its a bit small to comfortably seat four adults.
We think this hot tub is ideal for a couple or occasional entertaining.
It has comfortable seating, adjustable headrests, and colorful LED lighting.
Dimensions: 83 x 83 x 28 in.
|Shape: Square |Water Capacity: 210 gal.
We loved the cupholders, comfortable seats, backlit waterfall, and powerful jets included in this model.
The Right Size and Capacity
Hot tubs come in various shapes and sizes.
They can also be constructed from high-strength fiberglass or UV- and freeze-resistant acrylic.
Inflatable models, like theIntex PureSpa Plus, are usually made of puncture-resistant vinyl.
Maintenance Considerations
Also, consider the maintenance requirements of hot tubs orhome saunasbefore buying one.
Many come with built-in filtration systems and ozone generators (aka ozonators).
This helps keep the water clean and free of bacteria while using lower amounts of chlorine and other chemicals.
), but also ensuring that your hot tub is chemically balanced, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chemicals do you need for a hot tub?
What is the lifespan of a hot tub?
The lifespan of inflatable tubs is much shorter.
We set the hot tub up over an outdoor rug, which was much more comfortable than concrete.PHOTO: The Spruce
How much does it cost to install a hot tub?
Many modern hot tubs are designed for plug-and-play, meaning professional installation usually isn’t required.
Do hot tubs draw a lot of electricity?
The SereneLife Portable Hot Tub is quite compact when deflated, with all of the parts easy to store and access.PHOTO: The Spruce
It varies among models, but residential hot tubs typically draw 1,500 to 6,000 watts of energy.
Why Trust The Spruce?
She also carefully considered the benefits and drawbacks of both traditional and inflatable hot tubs.
PHOTO: The Spruce Home / Michael Weisbaum
The built-in controls for the Aquarest Spa made it easy to adjust the jets, lights, and temperature.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce / Mike Navarro
The Intex 83-in x 28-in 4-Person Inflatable Square Hot Tub was quick and easy to set up for one person.PHOTO: The Spruce
The Spruce
The filtration and pump module was easy to attach and didn’t give us any trouble.The Spruce
